|
development
|
|
mental health primary care |
living better |
|
Living Better aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of people with diabetes, coronary heart disease (CHD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is funded by the Scottish Government and runs from January 2008 to March 2011. Why this focus? Research indicates that approximately one in three patients with diabetes and one in five patients with coronary heart disease experience depression. There is evidence that providing treatment and support for depression and other mental health problems can bring a range of physical and psychological benefits for this patient group, including improved glaecemic control. However, levels of detection and treatment for mental health problems within primary care are not high, and it is estimated that 50% of people with mental health problems go undiagnosed. Furthermore treatment for patients with long term conditions and mental health problems can be complex, and best practice is not universally understood. How does Living Better work? Living Better starts from the position that patients with diabetes and / or CHD deserve a holistic assessment of their needs (mental and physical), matched by appropriate services to meet these needs. In order to achieve this the project team works with GPs, Community Health Partnerships, patients and carers to improve the detection of mental health problems in people with CHD and / or diabetes and improve the support that they receive for these problems. Participating areas have access to a range of resources to help them enhance support for this patient group, including training and learning opportunities, partnership development, advice on best practice, and research and evaluation. We work to ensure that responses reflect patient choices, and that learning from the project is shared within local areas and across Scotland as a whole. Where does Living Better operate? The project is working with the following 5 CHPs / CHCPs: Angus Activities include detailed assessments of patient and carer needs and work with GPs and other health professionals to develop new and improved support for patients. Individuals and professionals outwith the participating areas will be able to tap into research and learning arising from the project. Further information Further information can be found on the Living Better website: www.livingbetter-scotland.org.uk or contact Amy Woodhouse, Living Better Project Officer 0131 555 5959
|
Who is Living Better? Living Better is led by the Royal College of GPs, in partnership with the Scottish Development Centre for Mental Health and the University of Stirling. Chest, Heart and Stroke (Scotland) Living Better has produced three leaflets to help inform people about the project, with two of these designed for patients specifically focusing on the link between diabetes and heart disease to mental health and wellbeing.
|
